Unemployment is a four letter word

Or at least it is today. Welcome to my first non-unemployment centred post in months. I figured it was about time to write about the other things that are going on in my life. Because, you know, with all this free time there is a whole heck of a lot going on in my life. But you'll have to give me some grace, the quality of this entry might not be upto the usual Green Mango snuff. Nevertheless, come on in and stay a while.

PLAYING DRESS-UP

I wore make-up and a dress a few weeks ago. Of my own volition. Did you even think that was possible? I sure didn't. But when you are the Best Woman in a wedding you'll do all sorts of surprising things. Matthew, the groom and my very good friend, even has photographic evidence. You should track down his happy, newly-married self and see if you can get a peek.

PLAYING MUSIC

This week is Jazz Fest in Vancouver. And I am in heaven. I spent all day Saturday at Gastown taking in the smooth, soul-soothing sounds with friends. It was brilliant. I think I am in love with the bassist from the AfroCuban trio we saw. And also the bassist from a band based out of Toronto. Pardon me, I am drooling. Not just over boys who play the bass, but for the free jazz that flows through the streets like water and bounces off the rooftops like summer rain.

If you are anywhere west of the Atlantic you should really make the trip out this week and take in some jazz with me.


~return g. mango for refund where applicable

Humility

Is a hard thing to learn. And I must be failing the test, because I've had to take it so many times in the last six months.

Not getting that job hit me a lot harder than I expected. I actually had already decided not to take it if they offered it to me, but I still wanted the satisfaction of turning someone down for a change. I think I have weathered enough rejection of late to warrant doling out a little rejection of my own.

I had a teary-eyed, jobless, self-pitying session with my sister last week and another with a friend this week. I think I have shed more tears in the last seven days than I have in years. It's a bit ridiculous. It's just a job. Or, rather a lack of job.

But I'm starting to realize that it has less to do with being out of a job, and more to do with all the baggage in my trunk. I come from educated people, with impressive jobs, and admirable work ethic. There is a fully spoken expectation that I get a real job and start saving for a house, a car, some children, and a comfortable retirement.

I worked hard to get myself through school, and I thought that guaranteed me a way onto the road that leads to Freedom 55. But apparently a Bachelor's degree is merely a twenty-thousand dollar piece of wallpaper. I need to either get some more education, or do a whole lot of volunteering in my field so I can get a decent portfolio together, or reassess and just keep plugging away at non-profit work. And none of those options makes my heart go giddy-up.

Anyway, all that to say, I have an interview on Tuesday. It's just a job to pay the bills. And hopefully I will get it, and I will work enough hours to pay for rent and food and humility test re-takes. And hopefully I will work few enough hours to pick up a writing gig or two so that my muse is placated.

~who are you? g. mango is you in 25 years.

False Alarm

Employment decidedly not ahoy. I didn't get the job.


~g.mango doesn't like this game